Why Compassionate Leadership matters in a time of Crisis*

Leaders Focus:

How:

Available resources:

What is Compassionate Leadership?

Pay full attention to all staff
Listen to them; Be fully present when you are with them
Try to understand what they are going through, cultivate authentic curiosity
Don’t impose your understanding/views
Ask the question “How can I help you”
Remember we are all human and connected in our shared vulnerability– “inter-connection”
Be aware of ABC of human needs at work
A - Autonomy and Control for staff
o Staff must have a voice about decisions that affect delivery of care
o Listen to staff everyday
o Take staff views and experiences into account
o Staff need regular short breaks and access to food and drinks
o Leaders provide access to places for short rest
o Leaders provide access for staff to meet basic biological needs
B - Belonging
o We cope by feeling cared for, supported, connected to others
o Leaders facilitate supportive environment – open communication, transparency in decisions
o Leaders show gratitude for what their staff give
o Leaders honour the skills and wisdom of their staff
o Leaders clarify roles and ensure everyone knows what each other’s roles is
C - Competence
o Leaders make sure workloads are manageable
o Leaders facilitate short team reviews
o Leaders facilitate learning within organisation/team
o Leaders share learning from national sources and from around the world
o Leaders facilitate teams developing responses
o Short team reviews allow teams to rest together experiencing inter-connection